Trump Orders Pentagon to Buy Coal Power, Funds Upgrades

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 11, 2026, mandating the Pentagon to secure long-term electricity purchases from coal-fired plants for military bases, aiming to revive the industry. The order also directs $175 million from the Energy Department to modernize six coal facilities across Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Trump touted coal as "the most reliable power source" to strengthen the grid, drawing support for energy security but criticism from environmentalists over climate impacts.